Age-Friendly Newsletters

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITYBethel Area ~ Volume 19 ~ September 5, 2016Help the Age-Friendly Process!Remember to contact the following if you have ideas.To become a volunteer driver for the enhanced transportation system that is being developed: Al Cressy (ajcressy@megalink.net, 824-0508). About a system of checking in with participating seniors on a daily basis: Kay Larson (kaymail3333@gmail.com, 824-3333) or Brooks Morton (brooksmorton@gmail.com, 381-5991). On how best to use the Gould Academy gym for senior activities: Sarah Tucker (824-2669,recreationdirector@bethelmaine.org) OR Jackie Cressy (824-0508, rivendellhousebnb@me.com.WMSC Fall.With the fading of all the summer fun and sun comes the beginning of the Western Mountains Senior College fall term.As always, membership is an annual fee of $25, and most classes are $20.You may “test” the WMSC experience by taking your first class without being a member, but paying the full tuition – and of course, you may join at any time.In addition, there are many public programs and events that are free and open to the public and non-members.WMSC Registration.Course bulletins have just gone out, and you can access general college information (no current class information) on the WMSC websitehttp://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college). For up-to-date news, course descriptions, registration information, and much more, visit the WMSC blog, which is updated weekly (http://wmscollege.blogspot.com/).The Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner (Wednesday, September 7, 5:00-7:00, WP Congregational Church) is a wonderful way to find out more about the college, meet people, and sign up for membership and/or classes. You may also stop by the Telstar Adult Ed. Office to register or download a registration form from the blogsite and mail it in.WMSC Classes.All classes are taught by WMSC members who have experience and expertise to share.If you’d like to be as smart as your device (smartphones and computers), you might be interested inMaking Digital Devices Work for Us, which meets on Monday mornings beginning September 19.Or you may wish to learn about the Androscoggin Esker and Glacial Landscape; that class meets on Wednesday mornings beginning on September 14.There is also a public (free) Down Home Maine program on the same topic, as well as a field trip.Making Your Personality Work for You, Drawing and Painting, Senior College Players, Creative Writing, and Great Decisions – a wealth to choose from.WMSC Public Programs.Throughout its 14 years, WMSC has upheld the importance of serving the community through a wide variety of single-event presentations or discussions that are open to the public and free of charge.The “To Your Health” program works in collaboration with the Bethel Family Health Center and MSAD#44 Continuing Education to present health-related topics; the one on October 6th is entitled “Dementia Conversations.”There are several “Down Home Maine” programs during the fall term, beginning September 8; all feature presentations by community members with rich and varied talents, skills and adventures.“Brown Bag Lunches,” by contrast, allow participants to have informal discussions around a pre-announced topic – over their bag lunches.The first one is scheduled for October 18. Very special this term will be a performance of an original musical work set to Richard Blanco’s inaugural poem.Accessible Walking Trail.Mahoosuc Land Trust, in conjunction with the Age-Friendly Community Initiative and Maine Adaptive Sports, has applied for a grant to build an accessible trail on the Valentine Farm Conservation Center on the North Road. Mike Cooper is designing the trail to meet USFS guidelines for wheelchairs and strollers and walkers.It will include several viewing areas, accessible benches, a picnic table, and a fitness portion for all abilities. With grant approval, the trail will be built in 2017.Be watching for progress updates!Maine Outdoor Film Festival.Another terrific community resource: the Gem Theater and its special movies and events.There’s one coming up on Thursday, September 15. Kicking off the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend and co-hosted by Mahoosuc Pathways and the Gem, a 6:00 social hour and 7:00 movies will all be covered by a $10 fee.A variety of short films will be offered by the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, whose mission is to “celebrate the active outdoor community and inspire expression,” featuring the work of Maine film-makers, bringing outdoor-related film festivals to Mainers, and supporting youth in the outdoors. FMI on any of the above: Nancy Davis (nancydavis.bethel@gmail.com, 381-1110).